New Delhi: A day after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant reprimanded the Bar Council of India (BCI), BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra apologized to NALSAR students. In a letter written on Independence Day, Mishra stated that he “sincerely regrets” and apologizes if any of his statements, letters, or controversies hurt the sentiments of the students.
He stated that students’ concerns should be heard with sensitivity, patience, and respect. Mishra also stated that an apology is not a matter of prestige or ego, but an acknowledgment of valuing the students’ sentiments.
CJI Surya Kant supports student protests
A day before the apology, the Supreme Court had raised serious questions about the BCI’s role in the NALSAR controversy. CJI Surya Kant had stated that if students have any reason to protest, they have every right to express their views peacefully and legally.
The bench headed by the CJI, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, restrained the BCI and all state bar councils from taking any punitive or criminal action against students and teachers in connection with the dispute.
Action against NALSAR’s 2026 batch withdrawn
The controversy began when some NALSAR students objected to CJI Surya Kant being made the chief guest at their convocation. Following this, the BCI had initially ordered a suspension of admissions for students from the 2026 batch.
However, this decision was withdrawn shortly after. The BCI continued to investigate the role of teachers and outsiders in allegedly influencing or organizing the students. On Friday, Manan Kumar Mishra announced the withdrawal of proceedings against the entire 2026 batch.
Appeal to students to make independent decisions
In his letter, the BCI Chairman stated that law students should have complete freedom to form their own opinions and express their dissent. He described peaceful protest, questioning, and dissent as an essential part of democracy.
Regarding whether to attend the NALSAR convocation, Mishra stated that the decision should be entirely up to the students. He emphasized that no student should be forced to attend or boycott the event.
Mishra appealed to all parties to refrain from politicizing or externalizing the controversy and to resolve the matter through dialogue, clarification, and mutual respect.